WASHINGTON: NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday at a summit in Washington that he believes the United States will remain a cornerstone of the alliance, regardless of the outcome of the upcoming presidential election in November.
“I expect that regardless of the outcome of the US elections, the US will remain a strong and staunch NATO ally,” Stoltenberg remarked as leaders convened in Washington for a crucial summit.
The summit, marked by pomp and ceremony in the US capital, has been crucial for President Joe Biden, who seeks to galvanize Western unity and reassure American voters amidst intense scrutiny of his leadership abilities at 81 years old, notably older than the alliance itself.
Opening the summit with a celebratory tone on Tuesday evening, Biden announced a commitment to provide a new air defence system for Kyiv, underscoring NATO’s solidarity in the face of Russian aggression that began with the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
“Make no mistake. Ukraine can — and will — stop Putin,” Biden declared emphatically, emphasizing NATO’s resolve against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions.
Following Biden’s remarks, the White House confirmed that Denmark and the Netherlands had commenced the long-awaited transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. The decision, approved by Biden last year, is seen as crucial for bolstering Ukraine’s defence capabilities against Russian forces.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken asserted that the F-16 transfer would send a strong message to Putin, concentrating his attention on the enduring resilience of Ukraine and its Western allies. “The quickest way to get to peace is through a strong Ukraine,” Blinken affirmed.
On the other hand, former President Donald Trump, currently leading in recent polls against Biden, has suggested alternative approaches to resolving the conflict, including proposals for Ukraine to cede territory to Russia.
Ahead of the summit, Russia launched a barrage of missiles on Ukraine, resulting in civilian casualties including at a children’s hospital in Kyiv, further intensifying the urgency of NATO’s responses.
President Zelensky of Ukraine, invited to the summit, expressed gratitude for the F-16s, noting their critical role in countering “brutal Russian attacks” and advancing the cause of peace.
The summit agenda also includes discussions on enhancing NATO’s resilience against potential challenges, including those posed by China, with Biden extending invitations to key Pacific partners.
NATO leaders are working towards solidifying support for Ukraine’s aspirations to join the alliance, a prospect that enjoys substantial backing from Eastern European nations with historical ties to Soviet dominance.
However, Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have expressed reservations about the immediate accession of Ukraine to NATO, citing concerns over escalating tensions with nuclear-armed Russia.
